Unique tournament will show that pro golf doesn't have to be played over long 18-hole courses

 US SENIORS TOUR 54-hole EVENT TO BE

STAGED OVER A PAR-3 COURSE

FROM THE US PGA TOUR WEBSITE
The Champions Tour’s newly-named "Big Cedar Lodge Legends of Golf," a two-man team competition conducted over 54 holes, will be played during the week June 2-8 on the resort’s par-3 Top of the Rock course, designed by Jack Nicklaus and the 18-hole Buffalo Ridge Course (formally Branson Creek GC), freshly redesigned by Tom Fazio. 
The par-3 tournament, which debuted in 1978, was held in Savannah, Georgia, the past 11 years. 
This will be the first US PGA Tour-sanctioned event to use a par-3 course in official competition.
"If there was ever a par-3 course worthy of US PGA Tour tournament play, Top of the Rock is it.  It truly is an outstanding venue and a wonderful complement to the newly redesigned Buffalo Ridge course," said Tim Finchem, pictured below, the US PGA Tour commissioner.

"We believe the inclusion of this dramatic short course will demonstrate to a time-crunched world that par-3 golf is fun, entertaining, and a worthy alternative for golfers."

The field will feature two divisions for players age 50-65 and 65 and older. 

The total purse will be $2.75 million. World Golf Hall of Fame members including Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Hale Irwin, Gary Player and Lee Trevino have already indicated they will play in the event

"At Big Cedar Lodge you have all the elements to make the Legends of Golf a unique tournament and to show fans that golf, even for professionals at the highest level, doesn't have to be played on long, 18-hole courses," Tom Watson (pictured above) said. 

"I'm proud to have lent a hand in the creation of such a special place and am enthusiastic about Top of the Rock and hope this innovative approach will inspire new golfers, who have limited time on their hands, to take up the game.

 "A nine-hole par-3 course is a perfect option to get started in the game."